A desolate home near the Iranian border houses the only leprosy colony in Iraq—four men and women who were forced to leave their families years before and live in complete isolation—relying purely on the good will of the surrounding communities.
International Medical Corps Amarah has distributed winter clothes, kerosene heaters, kerosene, blankets, and towels to this vulnerable community, hoping to offer some comfort and relief from the crippling cold winds of their desert environment.
International Medical Corps was welcomed by the official spokesperson for the colony as she ululated a greeting of thanks. Hadia, with her remnants of beauty, now bears a face ravaged by leprosy and hard living. With eyelids long sacrificed to the flesh consuming disease, Hadia wields a perpetual wide eyed and hazy blue stare, blind but full of energy as she aids her fellow community members.
As International Medical Corps distributed winterization items, colony residents invited us to take lunch at their home. It seems the company of the outside world is what they are craving, not necessarily just the nourishment and shelter items.
While International Medical Corps engineers and the Amarah Water Office assessed methods to bring a more sustainable supply of potable water to the colony, we sat with the community and shared stories. Hadia and Toukham found each other and married in the colony, as did another couple.
Only one woman sits alone, never leaving her room, face always turned to the wall, a half consumed watermelon covered with flies on the floor beside her.
Prior to the war the colony was under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs, but there is no government agency managing the colony at this time, although they continue to receive medical assistance from the Ministry of Health.
Despite the distribution by the World Food Program of basic food staples, there is no regular delivery of fresh meat and vegetables to the colony, and they have no means of transportation to the market.
There are four volunteers from Amarah that regularly visit the colony, including Dr. Abdul Hashim and Dr. Samir from the Directorate of health. Without the good will of the neighboring communities, the colony would be unable to survive.
Braced with blankets and kerosene heaters against the rapidly encroaching winter, the colony for the moment remains safe. As social and health services strengthen in the Missan governorate, the colony will no doubt remain a healthy environment in the hands of the community.